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walkways from the Ocean Terminal through the Star Ferry Concourse to the waterfront promenade south of the whole site.
ii) The western ferry arm is proposed as removed, permitting the improve-. ment of the space between it and the Ocean Terminal, to provide for a ceremonial VIP landing place and "water steps" from a floating pontoon/jetty of increased size and importance (K). It could be that the change in the pattern of ferry traffic would justify the removal of the piers altogether and their replacement by a new pier on an alternative site at the eastern end of the water front. walk (as indicated) linking directly to the bus terminal and, by grade separated walks, to a KCR new underground station booking hall, and even to the MTR station in Nathan Road, by an underground way.
iii) The wholly pedestrian "Star Ferry" Plaza so created at the tip of the Peninsula could be planted with large "forest type" trees, in scale with the setting. It would be furnished with a large foun- tain and covered walks linking to the existing protective canopy leading to the Ocean Terminal. Provision should be made for large masts or flag poles and temporary canvas awnings for special cere- monies having an axis on the Porte Cochere of the old KCR Terminal.
iv) The old KCR Terminal itself conserved and cleaned could provide for
small meeting rooms for hire or small exhibitions and display spaces whilst some rooms could be leased to societies or to the Tourist Association or the like. The ground floor toilets could be refurbished and enlarged to suit the new functioning of the
area.
The Architectural rhetoric of the old facadewould form a most suit- able formal entry to the cultural precinct.
v) An east-west axial pedestrian spine is proposed from the ceremonial
landing steps though the porte cochere through an immense covered ATRIUM or FORUM (A) and via a galleried concourse serving all the elements of the cultural centre. It ultimately leads to the Bus Terminal at the eastern side of the site.
A further north-south spine is proposed as a raised bridge (N) crossing from the Atrium (at gallery level) above Salisbury Road and connecting to the level of the existing Marine Police Station Hill. This north-south bridge could incorporate controlled commercial elements (Bookshops, painting galleries and the like).
vi) The ATRIUM roof is proposed at a height of say 2-3 normal floors
permitting the entry of the north-south spine bridge as a gallery and allowing the restaurant facilities (F) at 1st floor or other levels to overlook its activities.
The aim of the Atrium is to provide a covered gathering place - much more useful in Hong Kong's climate than an open space for much of the year. Its roof is visualised as a modern space frame with suitable glazing and sun protection. A giant shade house which could permit palm trees etc., to grow inside but would also permit use as a much needed general exhibition area or large sculpture gallery or just a public 'gathering place'.
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